Hair loss/Androgenic Alopecia

DHT myth

Androgenic alopecia theory can be disproven since baldness increases with age despite declining androgens (including DHT).

Key Factors in Hair Loss:

• Cortisol: Promotes inflammation, upregulates TGF-B, linked to hair loss; adrenal cortex removal restores growth.
• Prolactin: Induces premature catagen phase and inhibis hair shaft growth.
• Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2): Elevated in bald scalps, inhibits growth; COX-2 overexpression causes alopecia, inhibitors reverse it.
• Cytokines: T1 cells (interferon-γ, interleukin-1β) from male thymus drive PGD2 synthesis, linked to hair loss.
• Aldosterone: Increases PGD2 synthase, rises with sodium deficiency; spironolactone treats female baldness.
• Vitamin D: Deficiency causes alopecia via reduced keratin-31 gene expression.
• Thyroid/Progesterone: Supplementation reverses alopecia.
• Scalp tension
• Parathyroid hormone: Ends hair growth cycle by activating mast cell degranulation, releasing prostaglandin D2 linked to hair loss, possibly causing progressive hair loss and morning shedding like bone calcium loss.

Androgen Role

• DHT-lowering drugs (finasteride) promote growth at the cost of chemical castration, topical DHT/testosterone stimulates hair in some cases.

Immune Factors

• Immunogenic proteins (gluten, casein) and endotoxin boost cortisol/cytokines, worsening hair loss.

Mitigation

• Reduce PGD2 with vitamin E, aspirin, low linoleic acid.
• Lower cortisol with sodium/blood sugar balance, avoid allergens.
• Use youth hormones (progesterone, pregnenolone, DHEA), calcium/vitamin K for blood flow.
• Zinc deficiency in men may affect thymus, aiding hair loss.
• Taurine prevented follicle fibrosis, promoted hair survival, and blocked TGF-β1-induced follicle death in human hair follicle studies.
• Avoiding gluten in your diet (especially if experiencing alopecia areata and/or celiac)
• Red light therapy or at least enough sunlight - simulates epidermal stem cells in the hair follicle bulge and shifting the follicles into anagen phase.
• Avoid sleep deprivation tanks T3, spikes serotonin/cortisol → catabolism (hits brain/kidneys/muscles first, then hair). <7 hours/night = premature balding risk.
• A glass of milk at bedtime, with factors lowering parathyroid and stress hormones, may protect hair and improve metabolic health.
• Topical T3

Correcting defficiencies

Nutrient	Function / Benefit
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)	Reduces inflammation, boostskeratin synthesis, downregulates DKK-1, protects against oxidative stress (comparable to minoxidil)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	Boosts IGF-1 and VEGF, improves blood flow and follicle growth
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	Regulates homocysteine, reduces inflammation
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)	Cofactor for keratin synthesis; strengthens hair shafts
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	Supports DNA synthesis and follicle cell division
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)	Aids follicle metabolism and oxygen delivery
Vitamin D	Regulates follicle cycling and androgen signaling
Vitamin C	Antioxidant; boosts iron absorption and protects follicles
Vitamin A	Controls epithelial turnover; deficiency/excess causes shedding
Iron (Fe) - only heavy deficiencies	Provides oxygen to follicles; deficiency limits anagen growth
Selenium (Se)	Antioxidant enzyme cofactor; both deficiency and excess harm hair
Zinc (Zn)	Cofactor for enzymes; supports keratinocyte repair and growth
Copper (Cu)	Stimulates angiogenesis and follicle regeneration
Manganese (Mn)	Antioxidant cofactor; protects follicles from oxidative damage

Additonal supplementation

Nutrient	Function / Benefit
Marine Hydrolyzed Collagen (300 mg)	Stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation; increases hair thickness and follicle vitality
L-Taurine (100 mg)	Promotes hair survival in vitro; prevents TGF-β1-induced hair growth inhibition; antioxidant protection of the follicle
L-Cysteine (100 mg)	Major building block of keratin; strengthens hair shaft and supports keratin cross-linking
L-Methionine (100 mg)	Essential sulfur-containing amino acid; precursor to cysteine; supports keratin synthesis and antioxidant defense
Iron (14 mg as ferrous bisglycinate)	Provides oxygen to hair follicles; corrects common deficiency in TE and FAGA; supports anagen phase maintenance
Selenium (55 μg as sodium selenite)	Cofactor for glutathione peroxidase; strong antioxidant protection of follicle cells; both deficiency and excess can harm hair

Danny Roddy Hair like a fox

Doctors often overlook the systemic nature of pattern baldness, focusing narrowly on “male” hormones and prescribing drugs like Finasteride (Propecia), which can cause serious side effects such as permanent erectile dysfunction, depression, and gynecomastia.

Androgen Hypothesis Limitations

Dr. Hamilton’s 1942 study showed that castrated men (eunuchs) do not experience baldness, linking testosterone to hair loss.

Dr. Imperato-McGinley’s 1974 discovery of the Guevedoces (males deficient in 5-alpha reductase enzyme converting testosterone to DHT) also showed immunity to baldness.

However, the androgen theory fails to explain baldness in women, newborns, postpartum mothers, and the elderly, indicating other factors are involved.

The idea of genetic sensitivity to androgens is questioned due to the high prevalence of baldness.

Bioenergetic Paradigm

Roddy proposes that baldness results from inefficient cellular energy metabolism, characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, hypoxia, and calcification in scalp tissue.

Hair follicles, as energy-intensive mini-organs, are especially vulnerable to shifts in metabolism.

The thyroid hormone (T3) plays a central role in regulating mitochondrial respiration, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production, which are critical for hair follicle vitality.

Declining thyroid function with age leads to reduced energy and structural integrity in hair follicles, contributing to hair loss.

Role of Hormones Beyond Androgens

Estrogen is redefined as a “shock hormone” and agent of stress and aging rather than simply a “female hormone.”

Estrogen inhibits efficient mitochondrial respiration and promotes pro-inflammatory states, contributing to hair loss.

Progesterone opposes estrogen, supporting respiration and hair growth.

Hormones such as prolactin, cortisol, serotonin, and parathyroid hormone also play crucial roles in hair loss, largely through their effects on energy metabolism and inflammation.

Serotonin as a Contributor to Baldness

Contrary to its popular image as a “happy chemical,” serotonin inhibits mitochondrial respiration, increases inflammation, and elevates stress hormones.

It synergizes with estrogen and prolactin, exacerbating hair loss.

Serotonin regulation is therefore important in managing baldness.

Dietary Fats and Hair Loss

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, long touted as “essential” and healthy, are implicated in mitochondrial damage and inflammation.

PUFAs increase prostaglandin production, which is associated with hair loss.

Saturated fats, in contrast, support mitochondrial function and are less prone to oxidative damage.

Roddy advocates for a diet deficient in EFAs (essential fatty acids), emphasizing saturated fats like coconut oil, butter, and animal fats, while avoiding vegetable and seed oils.

Carbohydrates and Insulin Resistance

Early pattern baldness is linked to insulin resistance, often exacerbated by elevated free fatty acids.

Fructose (from natural sources like fruit) supports mitochondrial respiration and carbon dioxide production better than starches.

Starches and grains are inflammatory, promote endotoxin absorption, and worsen hair loss.

The book recommends fruit as the ideal carbohydrate source for hair health.

Supplement and Lifestyle Recommendations

Adequate protein intake (approx. 1.5 g/kg body weight) from sources low in iron and PUFAs, such as gelatinous meats, dairy, shellfish, liver, and eggs.

Adequate carbohydrate intake, favoring fructose-rich fruits over starches.

Limiting or avoiding essential fatty acids (EFAs) and highly unsaturated fats.

Use of supplements such as salt (to suppress aldosterone and stress hormones), coffee (supports respiratory energy), and vitamin D (regulates hair follicle cycling and suppresses prolactin).

Monitoring self-diagnostics such as body temperature and pulse rate to assess metabolic rate and energy efficiency.

Exposure to sunlight and red light therapy to regulate hair growth cycles and reduce prolactin.

Quantitative Data & Comparisons

Drug / Condition	Effectiveness (%)	Notable Side Effects	Notes
Finasteride (Propecia)	~40% effective	Erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, depression, gynecomastia, suicide	Side effects may persist after discontinuation; chemical castration-like effects.
Castrated Men (Eunuchs)	100% protected	Lack of testosterone and estrogen/prolactin	No balding, reduced sebaceous gland activity, absence of acne/dandruff.
Guevedoces (5-alpha reductase deficiency)	100% protected	Deficiency in DHT, normal testosterone	No pattern baldness, delayed sexual maturation.
Protein Intake Recommendations	0.8 g/kg (WHO)	May be insufficient for stressed individuals	1.5 g/kg recommended for optimal metabolic function and hair health in stressful states.

Terms and definitions

Term	Definition
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)	A potent androgen derived from testosterone implicated in hair follicle miniaturization.
Bioenergetics	The study of energy flow and transformation within living organisms, focusing on cellular metabolism.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction	Impaired function of mitochondria leading to reduced energy (ATP) production and increased oxidative stress.
Adaptive “Stress” Hormones	Hormones like cortisol, estrogen, prolactin, and serotonin that rise under stress and disrupt energy metabolism.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)	Polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 and omega-6) traditionally considered necessary but implicated in hair loss here.
Thyroid Hormones (T3 & T4)	Regulate metabolism and mitochondrial respiration, essential for hair follicle energy production.
Progesterone	Hormone opposing estrogen, supporting mitochondrial respiration and hair growth.
Serotonin	Neurotransmitter that, at high levels, inhibits mitochondrial respiration and contributes to stress.

Recommendations for a Pro-Hair Lifestyle

Self-Diagnostics

Regularly monitor body temperature (~98.6°F) and pulse (~85 BPM) as proxies for metabolic health.

Diet

Protein: 1.5 g/kg body weight daily from gelatinous meats, dairy, shellfish, liver, and eggs.

Carbohydrates: Emphasize fruits (rich in fructose and glucose) over starches and grains.

Fats: Minimize polyunsaturated fats and EFAs; prioritize saturated fats like coconut oil, butter, and animal fats.

Supplements

Salt (to taste), vitamin D (target serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D > 40 ng/dL), coffee (for metabolic support).

Environmental.

Maximize sunlight exposure and consider red-light therapy for hair follicle stimulation

Avoid

Pharmaceutical drugs like Finasteride if possible, phytoestrogens, SSRIs, and supplements that increase serotonin and estrogen.

Conclusions

Pattern baldness is primarily a systemic bioenergetic disorder resulting from inefficient cellular energy metabolism influenced by hormones, stress, aging, and diet.

The traditional androgen-centric model is incomplete and over-simplistic, failing to explain all cases of hair loss.

The health of mitochondria and thyroid function is critical to maintaining hair follicle vitality.

Hormones traditionally labeled as “female” or “male” (estrogen, testosterone) play complex, context-dependent roles in energy metabolism and hair health.

Lifestyle and nutritional interventions focused on optimizing metabolic energy, reducing stress hormones, and minimizing harmful dietary fats offer a promising path for reversing baldness.

Self-experimentation and informed skepticism are essential, as no one else will solve your hair loss problem for you.